Law students from the University of Southampton are taking part in a new initiative to provide support to defendants appearing in court.
A total of 17 undergraduates have signed up to be McKenzie Friends at the small claims court in Southampton.
A McKenzie Friend accompanies a defendant in court if they don’t have legal representation, providing help via note taking, emotional support, helping to explain the process, or prompting the defendant.
The McKenzie Friends access to justice scheme is named after a divorce case in England in 1969 when the petitioner lost legal aid and sought support from an Australian barrister whose legal qualifications were not recognised in the UK.
The project is a new collaboration between the University and Southampton County Court, and students are in court once a month to provide assistance and support.
Second year Law student Maddy Nicholl is Vice President of the University’s Global Legal Clinic and has led the McKenzie Friends project. She said, "This project has been an invaluable opportunity for my personal and professional growth. It has allowed me to develop important skills, including networking with the judiciary, having had the privilege of hosting His Honour Judge Philip Glen.
Lizzie Brook is studying Law with Psychology and is volunteering as a McKenzie Friend. She said: “By offering much-needed emotional support and helping clients navigate the court process, we can make a real difference.”
Spending time in court, learning the procedures firsthand, and witnessing the real-life impact of our work has deepened my understanding of the justice system and strengthened my commitment to ensuring that access to justice is available to everyone.
